Focus on the Glimmers!
As parents our kids are good at “triggering” us. Triggers are those things that activate our nervous system, generally based on past experiences, moving us into a stress response.
But our kids can also provide “glimmers!” Glimmers are little moments of joy. They make us feel more connected, calm the nervous system and light up hearts. Perhaps hearing your child giggle, little arms wrapped around you, seeing them accomplish a new skill, snuggling up together. Any of those cute things little people do can provide a glimmer. When we look for the glimmers, the world feels a little brighter and life a little easier.
When parenting feels overwhelming, actively seek out the glimmers to shift your mindset. Instead of focusing on the chaos or frustrating moments, notice the little smiles, kind gestures, or silly antics.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀:
Pause and breathe when you’re feeling stressed.
Observe your child with curiosity rather than judgment.
Notice the little things—those wonderful ordinary moments that can carry you through your day.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀:
Glimmers activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel calm and connected. When you notice these moments, you’re rewiring your brain to focus on positivity and joy.
𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲:
Try ending your day by reflecting on one or two glimmers you noticed. Write them down or share them with your partner or a friend. It’s a great way to end the day with gratitude.
𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺:
“I loved hearing you laugh today.”
“It made my heart so happy when you gave me a hug.”
This teaches them to find glimmers in their own lives, too!
While triggers activate stress, glimmers can help you recover. The more you focus on glimmers, the easier it becomes to regulate your emotions in tough moments.
